ArmInfo. The Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed its stand on the constitutional referendum to be held in Karabakh on Feb 20.
"Russia does not recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent state. We believe that the status of Nagorno-Karabakh should be determined though political negotiations within the Minsk process. However, we don't believe that the "constitutional referendum" in Nagorno-Karabakh can affect the settlement process," Russia's Foreign Ministry says, replying to APA's request.
To note the concept of the NKR constitutional reforms was presented in Aug 2016. Following public and political debates, the NKR Parliament took a decision on Jan 17, 2017 to hold a referendum. The decision was taken with 20 pros, 7 cons and 1 abstention. Under the current constitution, the NKR is a semi- presidential republic. The new draft constitution implies transition to a presidential form of government with wide powers of the Parliament.